Creamy Apple Pie

CRUST:
1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
FILLING & TOPPING:
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup + 2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/2 cup shopped pecans
For the crust, in medium bowl, with mixer on medium, cream butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. At low speed or with wooden spoon, gradually add flour, beating constantly, until soft dough is formed. Press into bottom and up sides of 9-inch pie pan.

For the filling, in small bowl, with mixer on medium, beat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. Spread over prepared pastry shell. Combine apples with cinnamon and 2/3 cup sugar and layer over cream cheese. Dot with butter and sprinkle with pecans. Bake 15 minutes at 400 degrees. Reduce temperature to 350° and bake 30 minutes longer. Cool on wire rack before serving. Serves 6 to 8.